Contents

History

In 563 St. Columba of Iona, exiled from his native Ireland, founded a monastery here, and from here Orthodox Christianity spread to the rest of Scotland. Numerous martyrs and other saints were produced from Iona, including not only St. Columba but also St. Aidan of Lindisfarne and others. Many believe that the Book of Kells was produced on Iona at this time. The monastery survived until the Protestant Reformation.

Iona also became the burial site for the kings of Dalriada and their successors, the early kings of Scotland.

The Modern Era

St. Columba's Bay, where the saint first landed on Iona

In 1938 George MacLeod founded the Iona Community, an "ecumenical" Christian community of men and women from different walks of life and different traditions in the Christian church that is committed to seeking new ways of living the gospel of Jesus Christ in today's world. This community is a leading force in the present "Celtic Christianity" revival (which unfortunately often has more to do with New Age spirituality and neo-Paganism than with ancient Orthodox Christianity among the Celts). The Community, which has care of the abbey, is affiliated with the Scottish Episcopal Church (part of the Anglican Communion).

Iona Abbey is of particular historical and religious interest to pilgrims, and also of note is Iona Nunnery, a site of 13th century ruins and a colourful garden. Iona is popular among visitors for its tranquility and natural beauty. Its geographical features include the Bay at the Back of the Ocean and the Hill with His Back to Ireland, said to be adjacent to the beach where St. Columba landed.

Orthodoxy and Iona Today

Martyrs Bay, where 68 monks were massacred by Vikings in 806 A.D.

In 1997, Friends of Orthodoxy on Iona was founded, being the 1400th anniversary of the repose of St. Columba of Iona. They are an informal group (mainly composed of Orthodox Christians but also welcoming Christians of other traditions) which organizes pilgrimages to Iona and related holy sites in the British Isles.